Luxury Uganda Safari: Travel Guide, Packages & Cost
It’s easy to imagine that safaris in Africa are a hardcore journey through jungles in a rustic jeep that just might come apart in the middle of nowhere. Sweat pouring, perched throats, hunting or gathering your dinner and sleeping in a tiny tent with lions roaring close back.
Well, maybe, you can find that but safari experiences in Uganda have evolved plenty and you can enjoy a lavish stay in the remote reaches of the wild.
By lavish, we are talking luxurious lodges with personalised services, swimming pools, spa treatments, and well-prepared delicacies.
Unlike neighbouring Kenya or Tanzania, a Uganda luxury safari is ideal for those seeking private luxury travel without the crowds that are seen in the other two.
You can track mountain gorillas in the dense Bwindi impenetrable forest or drive across the savannah grasslands of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Boat cruises in the Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Parks are as rewarding as evenings in the wild watching the sunset surrounded by modern amenities.
From perfect honeymoon stays to family-friendly adventures and adventurous escapes, there’s a perfect luxury safari in Uganda for you.
Book Your Uganda Luxury Safaris With Us
To book your luxury safari stay in Uganda, we invite you to contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +254-704-532-105. You can also connect with us via email at safarioffers@kenyaluxurysafari.co.uk or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com.
Our Senior Consultant, James Gatheru, is on hand to help you plan and secure a luxury safari tour to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Our company also offers luxury safari packages in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania.
Luxury Safari in Uganda - Photos by Our Clients
Discovering Uganda's National Parks
Ripe for nature-filled adventures, Uganda is one of those safari destinations where you enjoy a tailor-made holiday. You can combine gorilla treks in the jungle with game-viewing adventures along the grassy savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Or take the off-the-beaten path and spend days in Kidepo Valley National Park spotting big cats before hiking up the dramatic landscapes of Mount Morungole. The mountain offers magnificent views of its surroundings and you’ll have a chance to interact with the IK people that live there.
Some of the top parks in Uganda include:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for its savannahs and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home to half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas.
- Kibale National Park: A primate haven, with the highest density of primates in Africa, including chimpanzees.
- Kidepo Valley: A remote park in the far reaches of Uganda. It’s known for its stunning scenery and the chance to see big cats and other big mammals.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife sanctuary known for its tree-climbing lions and tourist attractions. The park’s diverse landscape includes acacia woodlands, sprawling savannahs, rainforests, shimmering lakes, and fertile wetlands. Perfect for boat cruises, game viewing drives, primate trekking, and birding.
You can enjoy boat cruises across the wide Kazinga Channel to watch some of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world over dunk themselves in water. Not to mention Nile crocs, aquatic birds, and thirsty wildlife close to the water.
Game drives across the Mweya Peninsula and the Ishasha Sector just might reward you with views of majestic elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, Ugandan kobs, and zebras. It’s in Ishasha that you’ll see the famous tree-climbing lions.
The dense forests of Kyambura Gorge are a habitat for chimps and other primates. If you would like to go chimpanzee trekking outside of Kibale Forest National Park, the gorge is one of those places you can explore.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Venturing into the misty jungles of Bwindi impenetrable forest feels like entering into a whole other world. This rainforest is a mix of towering trees, shrubs, thick herbs, vines, rivers, and small waterfalls. Most people associate Bwindi Impenetrable forest with gorilla trekking and rightly so since this rainforest (along with Mgahinga National Park) is home to half of the world’s gorilla population.
The other bunch can be found in the Virunga Mountains, a volcanic range that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. This essentially means that mountain gorillas are found in only three countries in the world. Bwindi impenetrable forest is also home to other primate species, mammal species, birds, and butterflies.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is another gem in Uganda’s crown, a vibrant sanctuary for primates and a birdwatcher’s haven. This lush expanse of forest is teeming with chimpanzees and various monkey species, mammals, and birds making it a key destination on any safari.
Kibale Forest is ideal for primate tracking. This thrilling adventure takes you deep into the forest in search of chimps and other primates. Keep your eyes peeled for these fine creatures as they leap from tree to tree or sit on the ground to eat, nurse, groom each other, and play. The trek may take several hours and once you find chimps, you’ll spend an hour with them.
Kibale National Park also offers armed nature walks and birding opportunities for nature lovers. Once you’re done you can visit the crater lakes nearby for a scenic treat of your surroundings and the Rwenzori mountains. These natural wonders were formed thousands of years ago as a result of volcanic activities.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Thanks to its large predators (particularly lions and cheetahs) and prey populations, Kidepo Valley is the place to visit if you want to catch some live action. Without 10 other safari vehicles barging in and potentially spoiling a hunt. Lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, leopards, caracals, aardwolf, zebras, mountain reedbucks, bush pigs, buffalos, and greater and lesser kudu can be seen there.
This scenic national park is found in the remote reaches of Uganda and to access it your best option will be to fly in. A road trip from Entebbe to Kidepo takes over 10 hours. Besides the quintessential safari, you can enjoy tours to the scenic Kanangorok hot springs, hike up Mount Morungole or enjoy refreshing nature walks in the park.
Top Luxury Lodges for Unforgettable Safaris
Luxury and wilderness intertwine seamlessly in Uganda’s top-notch luxury lodges. These accommodations, expertly woven into the stunning landscapes of this beautiful country, offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. You can find luxury accommodation in the heart of the park, nestled in the mountains, or by the shores of a beautiful lake.
Let’s delve into what Uganda’s luxury accommodation options offer.
Intimate Gorilla Encounters
In the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll find luxury accommodations that offer an unparalleled opportunity for intimate gorilla encounters. The Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge are the echelons of indulgent stays.
They offer stunning views of Bwindi’s breathtaking scenery and some provide al fresco dining when the weather is favorable. A luxury stay at these accommodations comes with personalised services and luxury amenities geared toward making your mountain gorilla trekking experience memorable.
The luxury park houses of Turaco Treetops Lodge in Kibale National Park blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Relaxing barefoot in your room while enjoying stunning views of the jungle and sipping a hot drink or reading a book is an absolute thrill. Chimpundu Lodge is one of the finest luxury accommodations in Kibale National Park. From sumptuous rooms to a comfy lounge, swimming pool, bar and spa, Chimpundu is worth checking out while you’re on a primate trek adventure in Kibale.
Serene Escapes on Lakefront Lodges
No one does lakefront experiences better than Kyaninga Lodge. Overlooking Lake Kyaninga (Uganda’s deepest crater lake), along with gorgeous views of the Rwenzori mountains, this rustic lodge is ideal for romantic getaways, thrill seekers, and sporty travellers.
You can swim in the lodge’s pool or the lake or enjoy a game of boules, badminton, tennis, and croquet. After a day of activities, the Kyaninga Lodge team will meet you with a refreshing drink or you can head over to the wellness centre for a post-trek massage.
Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, a picture of charming Mediterranean architecture amid green fairways and sparking waters, is the ultimate lakeside resort. Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, the resort comes with its marina allowing you to enjoy a host of activities. You can go on boat trips to Paradise and Ngamba Islands alongside sundowner cruises.
Golf lovers on Uganda safaris will have their fill at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Club Resort and you can embark on day trips to nearby tourist attractions. Those who want to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can go there from here.
Savannah Delights
Cruising open grasslands on game drives can be as exciting as it is tiring. Mihingo Lodge is the perfect blend of luxury relaxation and adventure following a day of game-viewing excursions at Lake Mburo National Park. The spacious tents are tastefully done to complement the surrounding environment and are fully modernised.
The family-friendly Mihingo Lodge has a range of activities that you and your family can enjoy including mountain biking, game drives (including night drives), cultural visits, guided walks, and horse riding.
At the heart of Lake Mburo National Park is the beautiful Kigambira Safari Lodge. This eco-friendly lodge resembles African traditional houses complete with grass thatched roofs and wood along with modern facilities. There’s a swimming pool to cool off in after a day of game drives, a well-stocked bar, bush dining and a comfy bed to retire in.
Along the Northeast Escarpment section of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Elephant Plains Lodge, a choice accommodation for those looking for an indulging wilderness experience. The rooms boast sizable private verandahs and large glass windows for tours to enjoy the surrounding incredible views.
Tucked in the pristine wilderness lions lounge on trees, buffalos roam free, and vultures scavenge is the idyllic Ishasha Wilderness Camp. This intimate lodge blends into the natural setting which makes for a tranquil and authentic retreat. All tents are furnished elegantly and as with every other luxury safaris retreats come with modern amenities to maximise comfort.
Best Time to Embark on Luxury Safari Tours to Uganda
Deciding when to visit is a critical element when you’re planning Uganda luxury safaris. Luckily Uganda enjoys a largely tropical climate with two refreshing rainy seasons per year, making it a delightful destination year-round.
If you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari to see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the optimal months are from June to September, and December to February. The forest trails are drier during these months making your trek less challenging.
The thing to keep in mind is that gorilla trekking in the dry season may take more hours since the primates go deeper into the forest (and possibly into Rwanda) to forage. In the wetter months, the forest is lush and food is plenty—mountain gorillas don’t have to travel too far into their extremely dense natural habitat to find their meals and therefore easier to spot.
Game viewing is best done in the dry months mentioned earlier as animals are easier to spot and the roads are usable. During these peak tourism seasons, luxury safari lodges tend to be in high demand, making it advisable to book early to ensure your preferred accommodation.
Summary
From diverse wildlife and landscapes to opulent lodges, we’ve discovered the allure of a luxury safari in Uganda. Splurging on luxury travel is more than just going on holiday, it’s an unforgettable adventure that brings you face-to-face with Africa’s majestic wilderness. So, pack your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the heart of Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time To Visit Uganda for a Safari?
Plan your safari to Uganda from June to September, or December to February for the best mountain gorilla trekking and game-viewing experience!
What Preparations Are Necessary for a Luxury Uganda Safari?
Be sure to pack comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, get your necessary vaccinations, and take any additional health precautions.
What Cultural Experiences Can I Expect During My Luxury Uganda Safari?
You can engage with local communities, participate in traditional festivals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant customs and traditions of this remarkable country.